Braces and aligners are orthodontic devices that change the position of teeth. They straighten teeth, create beautiful smiles, correct improper bites, and can even address facial asymmetry.
However, there's another aspect—braces and aligners completely restructure the functioning of the facial skeleton. How? First, everything in our body is interconnected. Second, the skull bones are mobile and set the biorhythm for the entire organism, as first discussed by William Sutherland, the founder of cranial (craniosacral) osteopathy. Braces and aligners affect the position of skull bones relative to each other, causing significant changes in body function.
The upper jaw connects with seven bones in the skull.
The upper jaw connects with seven bones in the skull. When tightened by braces or aligners, it changes the tension in the cranial sutures: in some places tension becomes excessive, while in others, the sutures become overstretched. Against the background of changing tension in the sutures, headaches, neck pain, vision problems, nasal congestion, irritability, dizziness, and decreased ability to concentrate may appear. Regular discomfort in the body changes the emotional background, especially during adolescence: tearfulness, mood swings, and causeless outbursts of aggression may emerge.
The lower jaw is closely connected to the jaw joint, temporal bones, and the cervical spine. Braces and aligners on the lower jaw can also cause regular headaches and discomfort in the neck. The position of the neck changes under their influence. And a change in neck position, in turn, leads to changes in posture, from slouching to scoliosis.
Before installing braces or aligners, consult not only with an orthodontist but also with an osteopath. An osteopath will assess your body's overall condition and predict possible negative consequences of orthodontic devices. Sometimes specialists recommend postponing the procedure or correcting the bite in a gentler way.
This doesn't mean that braces and aligners shouldn't be worn. However, it's important to consider the following recommendations:
Installing braces
Install braces and aligners no earlier than 13-16 years of age. At this age, the skull is largely formed and similar to an adult's, reducing potential side effects. This is an osteopathic opinion; orthodontists often recommend installing them earlier.
During the wearing of braces and aligners, regularly visit an osteopath (within a week after the monthly tightening of braces or changing aligners). This is important for preventing complications. An osteopath helps the body adapt to orthodontic devices and eliminates excessive tension in the cranial sutures.
After removing braces or completing aligner treatment, continue visiting an osteopath so that the body can get used to living with a new bite and without the usual pressure on the jaw and skull.
Consider the fact that installing braces and aligners is a serious procedure that affects health and well-being. So it's important to conduct it under the supervision of both an orthodontist and an osteopath.
In countries where osteopathy is dynamically developing, collaborative work between orthodontists and osteopaths is common practice.
In dentistry, under the influence of research in the field of craniosacral osteopathy, a direction known as cranio-orthodontics has emerged. Cranio-orthodontics studies how the dental system (position of teeth, their absence, implants, bite, condition of joints) affects the skull and human body.
Want your body to adapt more easily to braces or aligners while maintaining excellent well-being? Schedule an appointment with an osteopath at Osteopathic Center!
Take care of yourself today!
